Shore Hatchery
Transform your vision into success
The Shore Hatchery Competition is a bi-annual Mid-Atlantic business competition. The Shore Hatchery is open to any Mid-Atlantic business startups. The program assists entrepreneurs in creating new businesses and jobs in the region. Startups apply for a share of $200,000 annually. The goal of the Shore Hatchery is to reward individuals for their entrepreneurial efforts in the creation and growth of businesses with the potential of positively impacting regional employment within three years. Businesses are required to report back to the Shore Hatchery board annually on their progress.
Businesses will complete an online application and submit a full business plan and financials to enter the competition. All submissions are reviewed by the Entrepreneurship Team, and then a list of top applicants is selected to compete. Competitors will participate in a 2-part event: an exhibit style tradeshow in the morning and a pitch competition in the afternoon. Submissions will be judged by a panel of business and community leaders.
Download Competition Flyer (PDF)
Apply Now (coming soon)
Eligibility Requirements
- All competitors must be Mid-Atlantic businesses, within 5 years of launching.
- Winners & Non-winners are not eligible to compete again. Applicants not selected to compete may reapply in the future, but are encouraged to improve their submission by working with the SBDC or Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship.
Awards
A total of $100,000 will be awarded each semester amongst the winners. ($50K maximum award per winner) Award announcements will be made in person at the event, following deliberations. Cash payments will be paid out as checks. Winners must complete the required paperwork in order to receive their award.
Deadlines
- Application Opens: February 3, 2025 at 12:01 AM
- Application Closes: March 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM
- Competition day: April 25, 2025 (please reserve 9 AM - 5 PM) Applicants can submit or update their materials at any point during this period. The system will be closed at 11:59 PM on the final deadline date. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the final deadline to avoid internet connectivity or system problems.
Submission Requirements
- Online Application: Applicants will complete an online application that includes a background profile, contact information, and a full business plan with financials.
- Exhibit Tradeshow: Competitors will participate in an exhibit style tradeshow, featuring their products or service. Recommended materials are: tablecloth, poster or signage, marketing materials, samples or a prototype. A tabletop poster template is available on our website for companies without pre-existing exhibition materials.
- Presentation: Competitors will create a 1-minute pitch and engage in a 6-minute Q & A session with the judges. The "pitch" should include (at a minimum): The Product or Service, The Market, How the Product or Service Will Make Money, Your Leadership Team, Your Competition and Competitive Advantage & Planned Use of the Ratcliffe Funds. NO Pitch decks or Presentation material allowed during your pitch. Competitors are welcome to wear marketing items such as logo wear, shirts, hats and pins.
- Electronic: All submissions must be made via the provided web-based information system. Submissions sent by email, mail, or other methods will not be reviewed.
- Meetings: Competitors will participate in 3 meetings: 1 info session + 2 pitch practices (all virtual) to prepare for the event.
Competition Files:
- Shore Hatchery Competition Guidelines (.pdf)
- Business Plan Templates: (.docx)
- Financials Template (.xlsx)
- Workshop Schedule (coming soon)
- Sample Slide Deck (coming soon)
- Pitch Tips (coming soon)
